GSU aim at Kenya Cup after League glory

The paramilitary side are already in camp to prepare for a quarter final clash against Kenya Airports Police Unit, days after reclaiming the Kenya Volleyball Federation National Men’s League title.

“I know the competition will be tougher than the league but I am confident we shall also lift the title. We have to prepare well because other teams will also be looking to hurt us,” Tarus told Citizen Digital.

The Wafalme Stars tactician has however hailed his boys for their hard-fought win against Kenya Ports Authority to clinch their record-extending 16th title.

GSU reclaimed the league title after a dominant 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-22) win over  Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in a tie breaker after each team claimed a match each in the first two matches of the three best-of-series finale.

The reigning champions had relinquished the title in 2023 to Kenya Prisons and Tarus had just come back in time this year to help them ascend to the gong.

“I want to congratulate my players for lifting the league title once again. It was quite a tough journey, we made mistakes but at the end we reigned,” noted Tarus.

Tarus will be looking to correct the mistakes they made during the play-offs to ensure a double this season.

The experienced tactician is looking to improve his reception, back court defense, attacks and service before the knock-out matches.

GSU will be boosted by the return of Simon Kipkorir, Joshua Kimaru, Brian Melly and Abiud Omar, who play professional volleyball in Saudi Arabia but are eligible to play for GSU in the July 6 match.

Kipkorir will boost the defense while Kimaru, Melly and Abiud will add the firepower which has been missing in the attack.

The quartet has been on the rise since moving away from GSU and Tarus will leap on their experience to give the local giants an edge in the Kenya Cup.

“I know they will be a big asset to us and I'm looking forward to having them back for this tournament. Their experience will be a boost for us.”

The Kenya Cup last eight ties were initially set for June 20 to 22 but will now take place on July 5 to 6 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena,  and Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium.

The men’s quarter final line-up has GSU, KPA, Equity Bank, Administration Police Kenya, KDF, Kenya Prisons, Trailblazers and Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU.)

The women sides are Kenya Prisons, DCI, Postbank, Kenya Pipeline, KCB, KDF and Kenya Army.